Self-reported denture hygiene of a sample of edentulous attendees at a University dental clinic and the relationship to the condition of the oral tissues.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This article aims to evaluate the habits of hygiene and usage of a sample group of Brazilian wearers of complete dentures. DESIGN: This study has a cross-sectional design. SETTING: It was performed in the dental clinic of the University of Mogi das Cruzes. SUBJECTS: A sample group of 236 complete denture wearers was selected. INTERVENTION: The individuals were interviewed and clinically examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Most commonly used hygiene habits were assessed and recorded. Possible relationships between habits and oral conditions were also assessed. RESULTS: Dental treatment was sought by 43.6 % 10 years after their last dental appointment, 77.5 % declared they had been given no instructions regarding the hygiene of their dentures, only 22.9% said they had been instructed about oral hygiene, and 91.9% stated they had not been told to return for periodical review visits. Denture stomatitis was found in 42.4%, although 89% of these patients presented with no symptoms; 98.7% of the group brushed their dentures; 27.1% regularly immersed their dentures in chemical products; 26.3% removed their dentures overnight. A positive relationship was observed between the lack of recommendations regarding oral and denture cleansing and the presence of denture-related stomatitis and hyperplasia. Family income and periodicity of visits to the dentist were also found to be related. CONCLUSION: Mechanical cleaning is the most prevalent method of hygiene. Self-reported lack of guidance to oral care was statistically related to inflammatory oral conditions. Future research is necessary to clarify possible causal role between these factors.